Pros

Model News

The Escalade continues into 2010 with no major changes, though it does get a number of new features and other revisions. Active Fuel Management technology is added to the 6.2-liter V8 engine to improve fuel efficiency, while a new battery saver shuts off accessory power when the charge gets too low. Side thorax airbags have been added in front, and the inside door panels have been revised for better side-impact protection. The in-dash clock that was formerly offered only in the Platinum model is now standard on all Escalades, and there's a new USB connector that functions as an audio interface or gadget charger.

Hybrid models of the Escalade get a taller axle ratio for improved fuel economy; the 6.0-liter engine in the Hybrid is now also flex-fuel capable.

Model Highlights

The Escalade includes three different models--the standard Escalade and extended-length Escalade ESV, which are luxurious sport-utility vehicles; and the Escalade EST, which includes most of the attributes of the Escalade SUV but offers a pickup bed.

No matter which style you choose, the Escalade is powered by a 403-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 engine that's also flex-fuel capable, meaning that it can run on a gasoline-ethanol mix, up to 85 percent ethanol. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive--the full-time AWD system does not include a low range and is designed for on-road duty.

The Escalade Hybrid employs a version of GM's 2-mode hybrid system, featuring an electric motor system that can capture energy when coasting or cruising and use it to assist when accelerating. The Hybrid's powertrain also features a variable automatic transmission and a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The engine also has an Auto Stop mode that further aids fuel savings while in stop-and-go situations, while the air conditioning compressor and power steering are driven electrically to save power. Altogether, the Hybrid delivers EPA ratings of 20 city, 21 highway, with a fuel 5,800-pound tow rating.

The Escalade performs surprisingly well for a heavy, body-on-frame SUV, with the V8 providing strong acceleration and impressive passing power; it also handles quite well and has been tuned for smooth, but not bouncy, ride quality. Across the lineup, big 4-wheel disc brakes are included, along with anti-lock brakes and GM's Stabilitrak electronic stability control, plus a full roster of airbags.

Additional high-tech safety features offered on the Escalade include Side Blind Zone Alert, which sounds an audible (and visual) alert if there are objects detected in the blind zones. On Star Turn-by-Turn Navigation allows the driver to download directions from an operator-assisted call center directly to the navigation system, while XM NavTraffic enables live traffic updates.

The key difference between the standard Escalade and the ESV is that the ESV's wheelbase is more than a foot longer. That means that while the ESV won't turn and park quite as neatly, it does offer a bit more legroom for the third row, along with more space behind it; access to the third row is improved as well. Both versions get a fold-and-tumble second row, however. Standard Escalades and ESV models have seating for up to seven, while the EXT has space for up to five, with two rows of seating and a small pickup bed that's just large enough for a piece of furniture or an ATV. What makes the EXT especially noteworthy is that the cargo bed can be extended into the cabin when necessary to accommodate larger items, while a lockable tonneau cover can be placed over items when you're not using the entire bed.

Escalade and Escalade ESV are offered in Base, Luxury, Premium, and Platinum editions. The Platinum models get a long list of exclusive equipment, including Magnetic Ride Control (which helps further improve both ride and handling), distinctive LED headlamps, Airline leather with contrasting stitching, special leather surfaces with French-stitched seams, and special wood and aluminum trim. The standard Escalade cabin is nearly as lavish, with Ebony and Cashmere interior surfaces, white LED lighting, heated-and-cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Value Writeup

The Cadillac Escalade has a lot in common with GM's other full-size SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/XL, underneath--but you wouldn't know it inside. The Escalade's cabin is one of the most impressive, opulent interiors offered in an SUV; ride quality and overall interior quality is top-notch. All the more impressive is the way the Escalade performs and handles, considering its size and weight. The Hybrid version, although more expensive, doesn't give up any of the standard Escalade's luxury, handling, or ride quality, while getting up to 50-percent better fuel economy. With high-tech safety and tech conveniences available as well, the Escalade is a model that anyone looking for a large luxury SUV should consider.

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in these states are not subject to this safety recall but may be covered under recall 16V-383, depending on the vehicle model year and the vehicle's sale and registration locations. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment ...

Consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

GM has not yet provided a remedy plan nor a notification schedule. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet Customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 49151.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Frontal Driver

Frontal Passenger

Side Driver

Not Rated

Side Rear Passenger

Not Rated

Crash Test Note

Results based on a 35 MPH frontal crash and 38.5 MPH side crash. Results are reported in a range of one to five stars, with five stars indicating the best crash protection for vehicles within the same weight class. This test used driver and passenger belts and airbags.

NHTSA Rollover Rating

Rollover Note

The Rollover Resistance Rating is an estimate of your risk of rolling over if you have a single vehicle crash. It does not predict the likelihood of that crash. The Rollover Resistance Rating utilizes a "fishhook" maneuver which is a series of abrupt turns at varying speeds to see how "top-heavy" a vehicle is. The more "top-heavy" the vehicle, the more likely it is to roll over. The lowest rated vehicles (1-star) are at least four times more likely to roll over than the highest rated vehicles (5-stars).

XM NavTraffic enhances your vehicle's GPS navigation system by showing real-time traffic data when it's needed most - while you're driving. Available in over 80 markets, XM NavTraffic displays construction, road closures and accidents so you can get to your destination faster. Available in select models. (Required XM Radio and NavTraffic monthly subscriptions sold separately after trial period. XM NavTraffic only available in select markets. For more information, see www.xmradio.com/navtraffic.)

Audio system controls, rear with 2 headphone jacks (headphones not included) and controls for volume, station selection and media

Air bags, dual-stage frontal, driver and right-front passenger with Passenger Sensing System (Always use safety belts and the correct child restraints for your child's age and size. Even in vehicles equipped with air bags and the Passenger Sensing System, children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat. Never place a rear-facing infant restraint in the front seat of any vehicle equipped with an active frontal air bag. See the vehicle's Owner's Manual and child safety seat instructions for more safety information)

Air bags, head curtain side-impact, first, second and third row outboard seating positions with rollover sensor (Head curtain side air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of head and neck injuries to front and outboard rear seat occupants on the near side of certain side-impact collisions. Always use safety belts and the correct child restraints for your child's age and size, even in vehicles equipped with air bags. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat. See the vehicle's Owner's Manual and child safety seat instructions for more safety information)

Passenger Sensing System, sensor indicator inflatable restraint, front passenger/child presence detector (Always use safety belts and the correct child restraints for your child's age and size. Even in vehicles equipped with air bags and the Passenger Sensing System, children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat. Never place a rear-facing infant restraint in the front seat of any vehicle equipped with an active frontal air bag. See the vehicle's Owner's Manual and child safety seat instructions for more safety information)

Est. Payment *

Vehicle Price: 63,445.00

*Estimated payments are for informational purposes only and don't account for acquisition fees, destination charges, tax, title, and other fees and incentives or represent a financing offer or guarantee of credit from the seller.